Tag: psychology

Have you considered your relationship with your home? Just like the relationships we have with our family, friends, and acquaintances, we also have relationships with inanimate objects such as our cars, computers, and our homes. Granted, the relationships we have with our cars and homes are not the same as our human relationships, and it may sound farfetched; but if you think about it for moment, these relationships can affect our moods and lifestyles just the same.

Your relationship with your home can sometimes make you feel satisfied or frustrated, and maybe both. But chances are that you were not always ambivalent about your home. At one time you might have thought your home was perfect. Or you may have decided that you were ok with the quirks in the home because you once planned to fix them.

But the reality is that over time you change: your lifestyle changes; your use of space changes. Likewise, your home changes too: the systems become less efficient; the rooms may feel too small/large; the kitchen becomes dated, etc.

Just like your human relationships, your home requires maintenance. Regular maintenance of your home’s systems can help assure that you will be comfortable day to day. Ignored systems can fail when you rely on them the most, leaving you miserable and wondering about your home. Commonly ignored systems include (but certainly not limited to) HVAC and the roof. Having a licensed HVAC professional check the home’s furnace and air conditioning as recommended may not only ensure the system works when you need it the most, but may also help lower energy bills. Regular inspection of the home’s roof gutters and downspouts could prevent future water penetration issues.

Of course, as we continually change and develop, we want our relationships to grow as well. So, it is possible that one day you might look around your home and feel that it’s time to spice up the relationship a little – You might be thinking of some renovations, updates, and possibly expanding the home.

Unless you plan to make renovations regularly, don’t make a mistake and focus solely on making your home “trendy.” Before you decide on a major project, experts recommend you consult with a professional interior designer and/or architect to assist in making choices that can prolong the “freshness” of the renovation.

Kitchens and bathrooms are usually where the most money is spent, and that’s because those rooms tend to get the most traffic and use. When designing a kitchen or bathroom, it is easy to go overboard on the renovation, but even a modest refurbishment can increase your enjoyment of the home.

As you renovate the interior, don’t give the exterior the short shrift. Upgrading the home’s windows and siding not only increases the home’s efficiency, but may also increase the home’s curb appeal when it’s time to sell.

Relationships change and sometimes end; even the most meaningful ones. This is no different with your home. One day you may find that although your home may have sheltered you and your family without fail for many years, you may find that your needs may have changed; you may need more or less space, or may need to live in a different city. And just like old friends, you may one day find yourself fondly thinking about your “old” home where you once lived.

• DISCLAIMER: Articles posted on this site are not intended to provide nor should they be relied upon for legal and financial advice. Readers should not rely solely on the information contained herein, as it does not purport to be comprehensive or render specific advice. Readers should consult with an attorney regarding real estate laws and customs as they vary by state and jurisdiction. Any property information posted on this site is believed to be accurate, but should not be relied upon without verification. Market analyses posted on this site should not be construed as an appraisal. Any market analyses posted on this site are intended only for the purpose of assisting buyers or sellers or prospective buyers or sellers in deciding the listing, offering, or sale price of the real property.

DISCLAIMER: Articles posted on this site are not intended to provide nor should they be relied upon for legal and financial advice. Readers should not rely solely on the information contained herein, as it does not purport to be comprehensive or render specific advice. Readers should consult with an attorney regarding real estate laws and customs as they vary by state and jurisdiction.
Any property information posted on this site is believed to be accurate, but should not be relied upon without verification.
Market analyses posted on this site should not be construed as an appraisal. Any market analyses posted on this site are intended only for the purpose of assisting buyers or sellers or prospective buyers or sellers in deciding the listing, offering, or sale price of the real property.